Freemasonary has played an important part in the development of the United States, and as an acknowledgement of this, the George Washington Memorial was erected in Alexandria, in the 1920’s. The imposing looking building is also home to a museum, showing the contribution that freemasons have made. There is also a research library, a hall for performing arts and concerts as well as banqueting halls for local and visiting Masonic Lodges. Tours of the building are available 4 times a day throughout the year, excluding some public holidays.

Alexandria - walk around the old town

For over 250 years the town of Alexander has been an important trading point in the area. In recent years the city has renovated much of the original waterfront, making it a superb place to visit. Take a pleasant walk along the cobbled streets, while looking at the 18th and 19th century buildings. The area is filled with shops and restaurants as well as some interesting, small museums and fine art galleries.

Arlington - be inspired at the Air Force Memorial

The Air Force Memorial at Arlington serves as a reminder and dedication to the thousands of men and women who have served in the United States Air Force, many of whom gave their lives in the defense of their country. The 3 steel spires stretch 270 feet in to the air and symbolize planes separating after performing a bomb burst maneuver. The memorial can be visited at any time which also has its own 8 foot tall bronze honor guard. There is also a reflective area for people to pay tribute to airmen that have lost their lives.

Arlington - view the Pentagon

Probably the most recognizable building in the world, the Pentagon is also the world’s highest capacity use building, along with being one of the worlds largest offices. It is home to all of the branches of the United States Armed forces but despite this 60 minute tours are still available in non sensitive areas. Tours must be booked at least 8 days in advance of your requested date.

Fredericksburg - absorb the old town atmosphere

Many of the United States most famous men, including George Washington, have walked along the streets of Old Town Fredericksburg, and this is your opportunity to follow in their footsteps, taking in the historic buildings along the way. There is plenty to do here including a variety of shops some of whom have been there for 300 years. There are also a good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy in the area, with different parts of the Old Town being suitable for lunch, tea and dinner.

Hampton - take a trip to Fort Wool

Named Fort Wool, at the end of the Civil War, but built between 1817 and 1830. The original fort was important to the union forces during the war and also played a role in the First and Second World Wars. Access to the island is possible via local ferry for most of the year. Much of the original building can still be seen, as well as the upgrades introduced at the turn of the 20th century. Famous persons to have served in the fort include a very young lieutenant officer named Robert Edward Lee, who helped in its construction.

Herndon - explore the Herndon Depot Museum

The Herndon Depot Museum is housed in what was once the old train depot, and served the town as such for over 100 years. The museum includes displays on the life of William Lewis Herndon after whom the town was named, a large collection of railroad memorabilia from the 19th century and items from the World War 2 including a destroyer that carried the town’s name.

Richmond - visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Lovers of the arts will find it impossible to miss a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond. It houses an impressive collection of paintings from the European Masters including Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Gainsborough and Picasso. Alongside these are collections of antiquities from remote parts of the world including Tibet, India and China, although pride of place goes to the 300 object d’art that were made for the Russian royal family in the 19th century, that includes the world famous Faberge Eggs.

Williamsburg - experience the lifestyle ofbygone days at Colonial Williamsburg

Open every day of the year, excluding some public holidays the Colonial Williamsburg is like nowhere else in the United States as it shows how life was like under colonial rule, when the city of Williamsburg was the most important place in the New World, for its British owners. The area is a series of reconstructed buildings in their original condition, and has period players on had to give an idea of life at that time. This is an absolute must to visit for everyone, more than a dozen American Presidents have already done so.

Williamsburg - get a thrill at Busch Gardens

Spending a day at the Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is like taking a trip to Europe, as it has 6 country zones and reconstruction 17th century villages for each zone. The park has a series of trains and gondolas to get around and see the area. Here are some of the best rollercoaster rides in the state, along with a great little water park, and a mini nature preserve, where you can see gray wolves that were once native to the region.

Introduction of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies that led to the eventual formation of the US. Hotels in Virginia include grand, five star operations and rustic, backcountry inns. Colonial architecture abounds, and there are many sites and cities throughout the state that hold special importance for the Revolutionary and Civil wars. History enthusiasts are in their element, but the state also has an excellent outdoors scene. The Appalachian Trail passes through Virginia, connecting Georgia to Maine, and there are many Virginia hotels located at prominent weigh stations along the way. The coast is equally attractive, with its quaint fishing villages, colonial mansions and islands. Wild mustangs graze along much of the outermost banks, where they presumably washed ashore from centuries old shipwrecks. Between the state’s modern metropolises and out of the way towns, visitors find an outstanding selection of hotels in Virginia, with something on hand to suit every taste and budget.